Joints and connector mechanisms for wall systems

ABSTRACT

Joints and connector mechanisms for use in a modular wall system which consists of a series of interchangeable panels that may be combined in various ways in order to create a business environment encompassing of a series of private offices. A joint is adapted for disposition between two sections of a movable wall for interconnecting the sections. Each section includes a panel having an elongated vertical edge defines by a pair of spaced parallel walls. The joint generally comprises two elongated vertical posts each including a mounting strip for mounting the posts to the edges of adjacent panels. A pair of spaced parallel tongues extends outwardly from the mounting strip away from the edge of the panel. First and second flexible connecting strips have first and second flange-receiving portions. In use, each of the strips is positioned between adjacent tongues of the first and second posts for receiving the tongues in each of the flange-receiving portions. The bulbous portions of each of the two fingers constituting a shank help to secure the strips to the flanges and, in this way, interconnect the adjacent panels. Also forming part of the present invention is a unique panel construction for a solid panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular and nonprogressive movable wallsystems, in general, and to the joints and connector mechanisms used toassemble such systems, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's modern business environment primary interest is placed onproviding the appropriate architectural detail for a private office. Atthe same time, with today's cost-conscious construction, there is adesirability to also provide the flexibility of a movable wall systemfor convenient and economical office reconfiguration.

Prior art techniques for constructing and erecting movable wall systemshave been known for many years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,443(Guijnon, Jr.) illustrates a system for connecting a plurality of wallsto form a portable building. The system relies on pairs of T-shapedconnectors which mate with each other to join end sections of adjacentwalls. Other methods of joining end walls through interconnecting meansare shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,962,133 (Kivette et al); 3,378,977(Vervloet); 4,852,317 (Schiavello et al); and 4,481,747 (Tengesdal).

An example of a demountable interior partition system is found in U.S.Pat. No. 4,251,968 [Raith et al (Raith)]. The Raith patent relates to aninterior partition system for providing a wide variety of interiorscreens or full-height partitions while avoiding the necessity of themanufacturer and inventory of a large number of parts. Yet anotherexample of a partition system that employs support capabilities is shownin U.S. Pat. No. 3,886,698 (Raith et al).

In evaluating the prior art systems, there is still a need for providinga better blending of the objectives of providing the architecturaldetail for a private office with the flexibility of a modular wallsystem. There is a desire to do this in the context of a modularnon-progressive private office system that is simple to configure andpossesses great visual appeal. In this context, there is also a need tomake the system panels interchangeable and reusable. The presentinvention is directed toward filling that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to joints and connector mechanisms for usein a modular wall system which consists of a series of interchangeablepanels that may be combined in various ways in order to create abusiness environment encompassing of a series of private offices. In theinventive system, there are several types of wall panels available.Among the available panels are solid panels, glass panels, solid panelswith a glass transom, and panels with a door assembly.

Of particular importance to the present invention are the joints andconnectors used to join adjacent panels without regard to the panelconstruction. Thus, even though adjacent panels may be of similar or adifferent construction, a common ground is provided through theconnector structure found on the vertical side edges of each panel inorder to provide an efficient and reliable interconnection mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a joint is adaptedfor disposition between two sections of a movable wall forinterconnecting the sections. Each section includes a panel having anelongated vertical edge defined by a pair of spaced parallel walls. Thejoint generally comprises a first elongated vertical post including amounting strip for mounting the post to the edge of one of the panels. Apair of spaced parallel tongues extends outwardly from the mountingstrip away from the edge of the panel along substantially the fulllength of the post. Each of the tongues includes a flange extendingoutwardly from the center of the first post. The flanges occupyessentially the same plane which is parallel to the edge of the panel. Asecond elongated vertical post having the same construction andconfiguration as the first vertical post is connected to the edge of anadjacent panel.

First and second flexible connecting strips each have an elongated stripportion. A first shank outwardly extends from a surface of each stripand originates along the longitudinal axis of the strip. The first shankterminates in a head and extends along substantially the full length ofeach strip. A pair of edge tongues outwardly extends from the elongatededges of both of the strips. The tongue edges are essentially parallelto each other and parallel to the shank. In a preferred embodiment, theshank is made up of two spaced elongated fingers that extend throughoutthe full length of the strip where each of the fingers terminates in abulbous portion.

The arrangement of the shank and the edge tongues define first andsecond flange-receiving portions. In use, each of the strips ispositioned between adjacent tongues of the first and second posts forreceiving the tongues in each of the flange-receiving portions. Thebulbous portions of each of the fingers constituting a shank help tosecure the strips to the flanges and, in this way, interconnect theadjacent panels.

Also forming part of the present invention is a unique panelconstruction for a solid panel. In a preferred embodiment, twoconfronting identical half-sections are provided. Each half-section ismade up of a facing sheet terminating in first and second vertical sideedges. Each of the side edges are turned inwardly in a directionparallel to the plane of one of the facing sheets and then turnsinwardly in a direction to transverse to and away from the plane of thefacing sheet. An elongated U-shaped member defines a recess channel foraccommodating the inwardly turned portion of adjacent side edges of thetwo confronting half-sections. The length of the generally U-shapedmember conforms to the length of the side edges. An elongated post isprovided for mounting within the channel after the adjacent side edgeshave been inserted in the channel. Fasteners, such as screws, fasten thepost to the U-shaped member to align and secure the side edges ofadjacent panels.

A modular wall system employing the present invention progresses inthree stages. First, floor and ceiling channels are put in place in theform of the desired basic layout. If there is any variation in floorlevel, screw leveling saddles are used within the floor channels. Next,pre-finished panels, including glass and door side panels, are erectedand aligned by inserting them into the floor and ceiling channels.Third, base and vertical post covers and reveal strips are snapped intoplace after wiring has been completed. The doors are usually installedlast after furniture has been moved into an office.

The present invention thus provides a completely modular andnon-progressive movable wall system. Non-progressive indicates thatpanels may be removed from any location without disturbing adjoiningunits. A non-progressive and modular panel system has total reusabilityand no material loss by providing interchangeability of solid sections,glass sections and door frame assemblies on the same module.

Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide privateoffice construction incorporating the flexibility of the movable wallsystem for convenient and economical office reconfiguration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a reliable andeconomical joint and connection system for interconnecting adjacentpanels of a modular wall system.

It is yet an object of the present invention to provide a modular wallsystem where the system panels are interchangeable and reusable.

It is still an object of the present invention to provide a modularnon-progressive private office system that is simple to configure andpossesses visual appeal.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent when thespecification is read in connection with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a movable wall systemincorporating the teachings of the present invention in a typical officeconfiguration.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting elements foundin a corner construction.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the elements found in analternative construction for a corner connection.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the corner as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7--7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a view taken along lines 8--8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is top plan view partially cut away of a doorway as viewed alonglines 9--9 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a view taken along lines 10--10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a view taken along lines 11--11 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a portion of the system illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a view taken along lines 13--13 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the detail concerning theuse of brackets in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a view taken along lines 15--15 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a view taken along lines 16--16 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject inventionillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to belimited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is contemplated for use in amodular wall system which consists of a series of interchangeable panelsthat may be combined in various ways in order to create a businessenvironment encompassing a series of private offices, meeting rooms andother facilities.

In the inventive system, there are several types of wall panelsavailable. As shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 13, panel A consists of a solidpanel 10 having opposed outer surfaces 12 and 14 that are spaced fromeach other with the space being filled by a fiberglass material 16. Theopposite ends of each panel terminate in vertically oriented connectorassemblies 18 and 20. These assemblies may take on differentconfigurations as will be described hereinafter. The bottom of the panelterminates in a horizontal frame member 22, whereas the top terminatesin a horizontal frame member 24.

Panel B is a solid panel including a glass transom. The solid portion ofpanel B is constructed in a manner similar to that of panel A. However,the solid portion of the panel is shorter than that of panel A with theremainder of the height being made up by the glass assembly 26.

Panel C is an all-glass panel and is finished by side connector portions30 and 32, horizontal bottom frame portion 34 and horizontal top planeframe portion 36.

There is also a provision for door panels D incorporating full doorassemblies, the details of which will be described hereinafter. All ofthe different types of panels are constructed and configured inaccordance with known prior art techniques. The exception to this is thesolid panel A which contains a novel structure for assembling twoconfronting identical half-sections 12 and 14 into a single panel. Withreference to FIG. 13, in use, the panels are erected by placing them inconventional floor and ceiling channels 11 and 13. Each panel includes aconventional height adjustment mechanism 15 to ensure proper alignmentof the panel within the floor and ceiling channels. Adjustments to panelheight are made and then each panel receives a decorative bottom plate17 to cover the height adjustment mechanism 15 and to complete theaesthetic look of the panel.

What follows is a description of the joints and connectors used to joinadjacent panels without regard to whether the panel is solid, glass,solid with a glass transom, or a door assembly. Thus, even thoughadjacent panels may be of similar or a different construction, a commonground is provided through the connector structure found on the verticalside edge of each panel in order to provide an efficient and reliableinterconnection mechanism. For this reason, it must be understood thatthe following discussion deals with end panel constructions and onlydescribes specific connection techniques with the realization that theend panels can be connected in a myriad of ways other then asspecifically described herein. For example, FIG. 10 shows two solidpanels S being joined to a glass panel G. Thus, through the descriptionof this connection, we also disclose the way in which any arrangement ofglass and solid panels may be connected together. This is because eachglass panel terminates at its vertical side edge in the same connectionstructure as a solid panel, a door panel, or a transom panel.

Turning now to FIG. 7, which shows the interconnection of two glasspanels, the vertical side end 70 of glass panel G is received within achannel or groove 72 defined within vertical glass panel connectormember 74. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, glass panel connector 74comprises an elongated member formed of sheet steel and bent so that itconsists of two opposed generally planar outer wall portions 76 and 78,which are spaced approximately 21/4 apart and are arranged parallel toeach other. As oriented in FIG. 3, each of the wall portions 76 and 78has a rear edge 73 and 75 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe connector member. Emanating from each edge in a direction toward theopposite outer wall portion are further walls 84 and 86, which aregenerally normal to the surfaces 76 and 78. Walls 84 and 86 move towardeach other and then bend to define the channel or groove 72 forreceiving and holding one end 70 of glass panel G. The most recessedportion of the channel defines a planar strip 77. Spot welded to theplanar strip 77 is an inner post 88. The inner post is likewise formedof sheet steel bent to form a generally U-shaped member when anelongated strip is viewed in cross-section. The U-shaped member containsportion 90 that is spot welded to the outer surface of strip 77 ofchannel 72. In a preferred embodiment, the welds are approximately 6"apart throughout the lengths of both the inner post 88 and channel 72.The strip portion 90 terminates in a pair of opposed generally parallellegs 92 and 94, which radiate away from strip portion 90 and terminatein outwardly bent flange portions 96 and 98. Defined mainly in each ofthe legs 92 and 94, but occupying a small portion of flanges 96 and 98,are a series of spaced slots 100. The slots are defined along a verticalaxis which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the innerpost. The slots are provided to receive hanging brackets in a manner tobe described hereinafter.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a solid panel S consists of two planarwall sections 110 and 112 which, at their ends, include a bend to forminwardly directed wall sections 114 and 116. These walls each terminatein a bend to form further leg extensions 118 and 120 that finallyterminate in inwardly directed flanges 122 and 124. As shown in FIG. 4,leg extension 118 and flange 122 form a generally L-shapedcross-section. All of the wall sections, legs and flanges discussed inthe context of solid panel S extend throughout the entire verticallength of the panel. Supported on the interior surfaces of flanges 122and 124 of each of the L members is a support channel 130. When viewedin cross-section, the support channel is generally U-shaped with anelongated middle portion 132 and two shorter leg portions 134 and 136.The generally elongated U-shaped member defines a trough or channelextending throughout the full vertical length of the panel. Portion 132has a series of longitudinally-spaced holes 138 within which arereceived fasteners 140. The side connector structure of the solid panelis completed through the provision of an inner post 188 which generallyhas the same construction as inner post 88. The difference between thetwo posts is that the inner post 188 in the solid wall includes amounting strip having a series of spaced apertures for receivingfasteners 140, whereas inner post 88 is spot welded to member 74. Theapertures in the inner post 188 align with the holes 138 defined in thesupport channel. The holes in the support channel are unthreaded whilethe fasteners 140 are self-threading in order to cut screw threads inholes 138. The bent flange portions 96 and 98 are recessed from andspaced between the extended planes P defined by space parallel walls 12and 14. The bent flange portions also occupy essentially the same planewhich is parallel to the edge of the panel.

As shown in FIG. 7, two adjacent panel sections are joined togetherthrough the use of a plastic connector strip 150 that interacts with theoutwardly bent flange portions 96 and 98 of the inner posts 88 ofadjacent panels.

As shown in FIG. 2, elongated plastic connector strip 150 generallycomprises a body portion 152 which, when viewed in cross-section,generally resembles a T formed by a series of spaced inner tongues 154and 155, and a series of spaced outer flanges 156 and 157. All of theflanges and tongues are essentially parallel to each other and originatefrom an inner wall surface 158 defined by body portion 152. Each of theinner tongues 154 and 155 terminate in bulbous portions 160. Further,tongues 154 and 155 together function as a shank in a manner to bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter.

Using tongue 155 and flange 157 as exemplary, defined between those twomembers is a space 162 that receives one of the flanges 98 of innerposts 88 and 188. The bulbous portion 160 of tongue 155 acts to lockflange 98 within the opening. Body portion 152 is defined by a flexibleplastic layer terminating in flaps 172 at both side edges where flanges156 and 157 originate. When connector strip 150 is positioned betweenadjacent panels, flaps 172 act to close off any air space between panelsand, thus, reduce noise and air transfer.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the connectors and joint structure for the connectionof a solid wall S to a glass wall G at a corner. In this figure, likereference numerals are used to denote elements first discussed inconnection with FIGS. 3 and 7. However, it should be noted that anadditional number is used in some cases to denote how many of aparticular item are employed. For example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, there arethree inner posts. These have been numbered as 188, 88-1 and 88-2. Thisconvention is used throughout when discussing additional connectionarrangements.

Thus, it can be seen that the connector structure associated with theglass wall and the connector structure associated with the solid wallare the same as that previously discussed with reference with FIGS. 3and 7. What has been added in this corner arrangement is the use of afurther vertical connector member 74-2, which has been finished throughthe use of an elongated planar cover plate 190, that is welded to theouter wall surfaces of portions 84 and 86 of member 74-2. In addition, acorner connector 192 is used to join the solid wall to the glass wallwhile at the same time including finishing member 74-2 to complete thecorner connection.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the corner connector 192 is made up oftwo generally elongated planar strips of steel that have been stampedand bent to create complimentary members 194 and 196 that are weldedtogether. With reference to FIG. 3, and taking member 194 as exemplary,this member when viewed in cross-section generally resembles a questionmark (?). The body of the question mark is defined by an elongated thinstrip of material 198 that terminates at one vertical end 199 in aseries of vertically displaced and horizontally extending keys 200 whichmate with complimentary slots 100 defined in the inner posts 88 and 188as described hereinbefore with reference to FIG. 3. The other verticalside 197 of the strip 198 is bent at an approximate right angle todefine a small strip of material 202, the surface of which is generallyperpendicular to the surface defined by strip 198. The metallic materialis then bent again at the end of the vertical portion of strip 202 tocreate yet a wider strip 204 that is perpendicular to strip 202,essentially parallel to strip 198 and displaced a predetermined distancefrom the plane occupied by strip 198. Finally, the material is bent at avertical side edge of strip 204 to define a final strip 206 that isessentially parallel to strip 202 and perpendicular to both strips 204and 198. This completes the so-called question mark structure.

The two members 194 and 196 are joined together by welding theircomplimentary surfaces 204 throughout their entire length to define thecorner connector 192. In use, strips 198-1 and 198-2, with theircomplimentary keys, are secured within the vertical slots 100 byaligning the keys to the slots, moving the corner connector toward theslots to engage the keys within the slots and then applying a downwardpressure to seat the keys within the slots as shown in FIG. 4.

A plastic connector strip 150-1 is used to join the opposite sides ofthe inner posts 88-1 and 88-2

When the corner connector is mounted to the inner posts as justdescribed, the end surfaces 206-1 and 206-2 define outwardly extendingflanges which align with the flanges 96 and 98 defined by inner post188. When these flanges are aligned with each other they provide amounting means for employing the plastic connector strip 150-2 and 150-3to join the solid wall to the resultant structure. As shown in FIG. 4,when employing the corner connector, the plastic flaps 172 associatedwith the connector strips 150 are relatively undistorted at the pointwhere the connector strip meets one of the vertical connector members.

FIGS. 2 and 5 show an alternative arrangement for a corner connection.In this alternative arrangement, a corner post 340 is constructed fromseveral different pieces. Essentially, the corner post consists of twopost assemblies 300-1 and 300-2, central locking members 302 and acorner cover plate 304.

As shown in FIG. 2, and taking post 300-1 as exemplary, the postassembly consists of a regular post 306 and an inner post 288. Innerpost 288 is of the same construction and formation as inner post 88 usedin conjunction with a solid wall.

Regular post 306 is made of an aluminum extrusion shaped to define thestructure of the regular post. Essentially, the post includes anelongated trough or channel 308 defined by a pair of opposed side walls310 and 312. At the ends of the side walls near the recess of thechannel, the base of the channel bends inward to define yet anotherrecess or smaller channel 314. The base of this channel defines the basesurface 316 of the regular post. At the distal ends of side walls 310and 312, outwardly extending flange portions 318 and 320 terminate infurther folded portions 322 and 324 which are bent so that they pointtoward the base of the channel 308. Channel 308 is sized to receiveinner post 288. Screws or fasteners 326 occupy apertures defined in theinner post and tap into complimentary apertures defined in the bottomsurface 316 of the regular post.

The base wall 316 of the regular post also includes a plurality ofelongated keyholes that are evenly spaced throughout the entire lengthof the regular post. These keyholes mate with key ends 330 defined onkey members 302. Several keyholes with key members are spaced on theaverage about 10" to 12" apart and ensure the structural integrity ofthe resulting post.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 5, adjacent ends of surfaces 322 and 324 areplaced in intimate contact with each other to align the two postassemblies 300-1 and 300-2 at generally right angles to each other. Thestructure is completed through the use of a decorative cover plate 304which contains biased end arms 332 and 334, which grasp the fingers 322and 324 of the regular post assemblies 300-1 and 300-2. In this way, acorner post 340 is provided which, when viewed in cross-section,generally resembles a square with two adjacent sides of the squaredefining connection points for two walls. The inner post 288-2 is joinedto inner post 188 of solid wall S in the same manner as described withreference to FIG. 7 through the use of flexible connector strips 150-1and 150-2. The same may be said with regard to the joining of innerposts 288-3 of solid wall S and 288-4 of corner post 340.

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment where three walls are joined to acentral post 342. The connector structures associated with each of thewalls which, in the example of FIG. 8 are two solid walls and one glasswall, are the same as that previously discussed and, therefore, havelike reference numerals to denote like elements. Likewise, theconstruction of each of the three regular post assemblies 400-1, 400-2and 400-3 is the same as the construction of those previously describedassemblies 300-1 and 300-2 of FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, ashorter cover plate 402 is used to finish off the post assembly 342.

FIG. 16 shows a connection joint for two solid walls S. The referencenumerals used in FIG. 16 are the same as the numerals used in FIGS. 3and 4 with regard to the portion of the joint associated with the solidwalls. The joint associated flange portion of said second post in thesecond flange-receiving portion to interconnect the adjacent panels.

The present connection system also uses suspended cabinets and the likecomplemented by the use of brackets for supporting shelving. In thisregard, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, a hanging bracket 450 consists of agenerally elongated U-shaped member that defines a channel. The memberconsists of two side portions 452 and 454 that are joined together by across member 456. The vertical edges of the side portions terminate inteeth or keys 458 which mate with the vertical slots 100 defined in theinner posts. The cross piece 456 also includes a plurality of verticalslots 460 throughout the entire length of the hanging bracket. Theseslots are sized to accommodate conventional bracket systems, such a thatcurrently used by Knoll International and referred to as the MorrisonSystem.

In an alternative hanging arrangement, as shown in FIG. 12, the samebracket 450 may be used to accommodate fixtures, such as cabinet 451,which has a short mounting member 453. The plastic connecting strip canbe shortened as by cutting to accommodate the space required by bracket450. In this way, the desired aesthetic look of a single reveal ispreserved.

The present inventive connection system also contemplates a number ofways to accommodate the relationship between an existing building walland the walls added by the inventive system. In FIG. 6, a solid wall Smeets a permanent wall W. In order to accomplish this, a cover shell 500mates in slidable arrangement with the end of solid wall S. The outersurface of cover 500 that mates with wall W is covered by a resilientmember 502 which acts as a seal. The resilient member 502 is preferablymade from a closed cell material, such as neoprene. Positionedthroughout the vertical height of the cover member is a resilientpacking material 504 which act to urge the cover away from the solidwall S and toward the wall surface W.

In an alternative arrangement, where the solid wall S ends a largerdistance away from wall W, an extension assembly 510 is provided. Withreference to FIG. 11, this assembly is made up of two elongatedpre-formed members 512 and 514 which are joined together and fastened oninner post 188-1 through the use of fasteners 140. This defines an openstructure which slid ably receives a cover member 518. Positioned about2' from both the top and bottom of the extension assembly are a pair ofcompression springs 520 which urge the cover away from the solid wall Stoward the wall W. A resilient seal 530 is also provided.

FIGS. 1, 9 and 15 illustrate the way in which a door is secured to adoor panel. Door 600 is secured to a horizontal transom 601 through theuse of a top pivot assembly 603 and a bottom pivot assembly 605. The toppivot consists of a pivot pin 621 that is pivotally received in a hole620 defined in transom 601. The pin is biased in the direction of hole620 by a compression spring 607. In order to permit the door to swing inan unobstructed manner, the side edge 604 of the door is curved.

The other side edge 606 is straight and brushes up against a weatherstriping 610 that is positioned within recess 72-2. A similar weatherstriping 624 is positioned within recess 72-1 of member 74-1. A doorstop plate 612 is secured to vertical member 74-2 and limits theadvancement of door 600.

Members 74-1 and 74-2 have the same detail and construction as themember associated with a glass panel and, thus, have the same referencenumerals for like elements.

From the above, it is apparent that many modifications and variations ofthe present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Forexample, the plastic strip 150 may be substituted by a metallic stripmade of, for example, stainless steel, and employing the mountingstructure previously discussed in connection with bracket 450. It istherefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A joint adapted for disposition between twosections of a movable wall for interconnecting the sections, eachsection including a panel having a pair of elongated vertical edgesdefined by a pair of spaced parallel walls, each of the vertical edgesincludes a longitudinally extending recessed channel, said jointcomprising:a first elongated vertical post including a mounting stripshaped for mounting said post within the recessed channel of one of saidpanels, a pair of spaced parallel legs extending outwardly from saidmounting strip away from the channel of said panel along substantiallythe full length of said post, each of said legs including a bend fordefining a first flange extending outwardly from the center of saidfirst post, said first flanges being recessed from and spaced betweenthe extended planes defined by said spaced parallel walls, and occupyingessentially the same plane which is parallel to the edge of said panel;a second elongated vertical post including a mounting strip shaped formounting said post within the recessed channel of the other of saidpanels, a pair of spaced parallel legs extending outwardly from saidmounting strip away from the channel of said other panel alongsubstantially the full length of said second post, each of said legsincluding a bend for defining a second flange extending outwardly fromthe center of said second post, said second flanges being recessed fromand spaced between the extended planes defined by said spaced parallelwalls, and occupying essentially the same plane which is parallel to theedge of said panel; a first flexible connecting strip having anelongated planar strip portion, a first tongue outwardly extending froma surface of said strip and originating along the longitudinal axis ofsaid strip, said first tongue terminating in a head and extending alongsubstantially the full length of said first strip, and a pair of outerflanges outwardly extending from the elongated edges of said firststrip, said outer flanges being parallel to each other and parallel tosaid tongue; and the arrangement of said tongue and said outer flangesdefining first and second flange-receiving portions, said first stripbeing positioned between adjacent flange portions of said first andsecond posts for receiving said flange portions of said first post inthe first flange-receiving portion and for receiving the flange portionof said second post in the second flange-receiving portion tointerconnect the adjacent panels.
 2. The joint of claim 1, furthercomprising:a plurality of first slots defined along the full length ofsaid vertical post along the area where said tongues bend to define saidfirst flanges; a plurality of second slots defined along the full lengthof said vertical post along the area where said tongue bends to definesaid second flanges; a rigid first connecting strip having an elongatedstrip portion, and a pair of edge tongues outwardly extending from theelongated edges of said first strip, said edge tongues being parallel toeach other; and a plurality of key members emanating from the edge ofeach of said edge tongues, said key members positioned to mate and bealigned with said first and second sets of slots to interconnect theadjacent panels.
 3. A joint adapted for disposition between two sectionsof a movable wall for interconnecting the sections, each sectionincluding a panel having elongated vertical edges defined by a pair ofspaced parallel walls, said joint comprising:a first elongated verticalpost including a mounting strip for mounting said post to the edge ofone of said panels, a pair of spaced parallel legs extending outwardlyfrom said mounting strip away from the edge of said panel alongsubstantially the full length of said post, each of said legs includinga bend for defining a first flange extending outwardly from the centerof said first post, said first flanges occupying essentially the sameplane which is parallel to the edge of said panel; a second elongatedvertical post including a mounting strip for mounting said post to theedge of the other of said panels, a pair of spaced parallel legsextending outwardly from said mounting strip away from the edge of saidother panel along substantially the full length of said second post,each of said legs including a bend for defining a second flangeextending outwardly from the center of said second post, said secondflanges occupying essentially the same plane which is parallel to theedge of said panel; a plurality of first slots defined along the fulllength of said vertical post along the area where said legs bend todefine said first flanges; a plurality of second slots defined along thefull length of said vertical post along the area where said legs bend todefine said second flanges; a rigid first connecting strip having anelongated strip portion, and a pair of edge tongues outwardly extendingfrom the elongated edges of said first strip, said edges tongues beingparallel to each other; and a plurality of key members emanating fromthe edge of each of said edge tongues, said key members positioned tomate and be aligned with said first and second sets of slots tointerconnect the adjacent panels.
 4. A panel unit comprising:twoconfronting identical half sections, each half section comprising afacing sheet terminating in first and second vertical side edges; eachof said first and second side edges turned inwardly in a directionparallel to the plane of said facing sheet and then turning inwardly ina direction transverse to the plane of said facing sheet and away fromsaid facing sheet; an elongated generally U-shaped member defining arecessed channel for accommodating the inwardly turned portions ofadjacent side edges of said two confronting half sections, the length ofsaid member generally conforming to the length of said side edges; anelongated post means for mounting within said channel after saidadjacent side edges have been inserted in said channel; and fasteningmeans for fastening said post means to said U-shaped member to align andsecure said side edges of said adjacent panel.
 5. The panel unit ofclaim 4, wherein said fastening means comprises a plurality ofself-threading screws and said U-shaped member includes a plurality ofspaced holes for receiving said screws.
 6. The panel unit of claim 4,wherein each half section is fabricated from steel.